Shindig

Well, we made it through the exhausting, exhilerating Shindig! This outdoor music festival was a benefit fund raiser for our CHS-Parkersburg site. We had rain throughout most of the event, so that obviously created some problems and distractions, but we kept going! The staff of the agency, and some loyal supporters worked incredibly hard to set up this event, and all their work paid off with a well run, enjoyable day of music, and raising awareness about CHS-Parkersburg, and gathering some donations and contributions. The music was excellent throughout the day, and we got lots of accolades for the music and sound. The food wagon from the North End Tavern and Brewery was a nice touch for the event. We thank Dennis Sutton and Mary White for coming up to support our event, and we think they enjoyed it. Mark Spangler, from our Alliance Partner, Davis Stuart, and his "family band" did a great set of music, and stayed around to enjoy the fellowship. By the evening, the rain had subsided, so those who came out later, or persevered, got to enjoy a pleasant (if still somewhat muggy!) evening of music. This was declared a "success" and adds to our Americana Music Tribute Series greatly- it was fun to see so many children there, and up there leading the dancing to the music!

Shindig Three Days AWAY!

Its Wednesday night; a 12 hour trip to Morgantown is safely finished. Stopping in the office to catch up on messages. Can't help but put in yet another plug for our fund raiser music festival this Saturday. We decided on the name "Shindig" to show that it was a "festive party" - probably came from a "kick in the shins"- which means people up and dancing. A big exuberant party, often involving dancing. A bash, a blast, a blowout. That should pretty much sum it up. Now remember, this is our first attempt at such a shindig. We are getting to be old hats at the Americana Tribute Shows; this will be our eighth year for a John Prine Tribute, and Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Bob Dylan have all had several tributes. But an outdoor festival, with great West Virginia musicians singing their own original songs, and entertaining a wide audience of music lovers and agency supporters is a new and unknown thing. Please spread the word, get people intrigued and excited to come out and see what the Shindig is all about. 3 Pm this Saturday, the music begins! Thanks to all the staff and supporters in the community who are making this a reality!

Agency Founder's Day yesterday in Charleston

It was a sweltering steamer yesterday in Charleston (it only sprinkled though, as opposed to Parkersburg that had waves of thunderstorms, but still stayed very muggy and humid!) The agency Founders Day was a nice event at the Davis Shelter site (and Adoption Resource Center). There were many "alumni" of the Davis Shelter, or the agency's adoption services. And many long time supporters, board members, and current staff and shelter residents. I assume there were also adoptive parents and foster parents among those present. There was picnic food, and carnival type games, and lots of give aways! The presenters did a great job of putting into context the agency and its great legacy and historic depth. The tug of war was won by Dennis' team this year, with Keith Spears unable to participate, so now Dennis will have the bragging rights.

1st Annual MId Ohio Valley Shindig- one week away!

Many staff are working hard on the details of the fund raising musical outdoor festival we are calling "The Shindig." Its next Saturday, June 12 starting at 3 pm and running through 6 acts of music until around 11 pm. Donation of $10 gets you a full day of fine West Virginia music. My son Andy will be kicking the music off with a short set, since he will be back later to perform the closing act, with his band, The Greens. Andy has some great song writing skills and is a very personable performer. He has lots of long time fans in the Parkersburg area, that don't get to see him as much lately, as he is centered in Morgantown. Kathleen Coffee comes on next. Kathleen is someone I met a few years back as she came to a show we were sponsoring here in Parkersburg of a mutually admired singer songwriter, Anais Mitchell. She has done two coffee houses for us at our store front, to great audience acclaim. She also participated in a song writer contest in Marietta a few years back, and came away as the winner! She performed at the Mid Ohio Valley Players Theater, as part of that event. She will charm and wow the audience at our Shindig. She has a my space site, and a facebook site that you can check out her songs and bio. Coming up next will be Mark Spangler, and one of his "offshoot" projects, some accompanists called The Minor Prophets. Mark is the director of Davis-Stuart group homes, an Alliance for Children Partner to CHS. Mark is a great performer, stage presence, and talented songwriter and musician. We are honored to have him venture up from the southern part of the state to participate in this first event. Liecus, a local band will perform next. Eric Seevers, who has worked at the Shelter is a mainstay of Liecus, a popular band in the area, with a loyal and enthusiastic following. Nick Barry will perform next. Nick, who has been doing much work for CHS-Parkersburg in the painting, repairs, "handyman" line for a number of years, is a veteran of the local music scene, with a lot of popularity over the years for his songs and performances. And finally, closing the show will be the Greens, a band with Mid OHio Valley roots, who enjoy a strong following across the state of West Virginia, and have performed many holiday shows, and steady gigs across the state, keeping music lovers happy with good dance-able songs, wildly diverse and free-ranging styles, and inspired creative bursts. We hope you'll spread the word, and help us make this debut event a success.

Hosting a meeting on our Promise Neighborhood grant application

We hosted a productive meeting yesterday of some key community folks as we prepare an ambitious grant application for a "promise neighborhood" project. This would be a "cradle to college" comprehensive neighborhood approach to helping children and families at all stages of children's key times to prepare them for school, and during school, and to successfully transition to adulthood. This grant will be going in over the next few weeks.

Senator Jay Rockefeller's visit to our site

Wednesday, we were honored to have Senator Jay Rockefeller visit our site. He had initiated the idea of having a round table discussion among VISTA workers in our area, as part of a celebration and acknowledgement of the 45th anniversary of VISTA. Jay had come to WV in the mid-1960's to work under VISTA in Boone County. This was a formative experience for him, and led to his career long commitment to the people of West Virginia. He really spent the time to listen to the current VISTA's in Wood County talk about what motivates them to volunteer and serve, and what their hopes and dreams were. He listened closely to some of the successes and challenges of the projects the VISTA's work on. We came away very impressed with his commitment and dedication to service and people in need. There was coverage by the local TV and newspaper that you can track down through WTAP and Parkersburg News and Sentinel.

Senator Jay Rockefeller visits our office tomorrow!

We are very proud to host Senator Jay Rockefeller tomorrow at our office. He asked us to host a round table discussion he is having in Wood County with area VISTA volunteers. Our two VISTA's will be among the participants. We'll tell you more how it goes after tomorrow! We are excited to have such an honored guest at our humble little site of CHS.